[Alberta's Child]

Chicago got screwed in last year's expansion draft, and it was their own fault. Under the expansion draft rules they had to protect every player on their roster who had a no-trade clause, so they ended up protecting a lot of guys who they would have loved to get off their roster to clear salary cap space.

Chicago even had a protect a player (Marian Hossa) who was unofficially retired at the time -- and has since officially retired.

These contracts really hamper their ability to rebuild. I think they're going to be a mediocre team for several years.

[PGR88]

Well, the Hawks did sign Hossa to a huge contract to put them over the top earlier in the decade, and one could argue it worked. 3 Cups in 5 years will give their fans some pretty good memories.

Of course, back then, Toews and Kane were great youngsters and Seabrook and Keith were at their NHL peak (which always seems to be around 27 years old). Still good players, but besides Saad, it seems with all those major contracts, they are only able to fill in journeymen around these core guys.

[rfp1234]

They may follow the Red Wings’ recent path (3-4 losing years, but lots of upside with draft picks.)